Butterflies in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park is an intriguing wonderland with a million surprises to explore and discover.
It is located in an area of 160 square kilometers, in Musanze, Ruhengeri, just a two and a half hour drive from Kigali International Airport, Rwanda.
It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including many unique and amazing species that contribute to its natural splendor.
Examples of different animals include the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, hyenas, and buffalos, among many others.
Some of the bird species include the baglafecht weaver, black-crowned waxbill, common stonechat, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, and Rwenzori turaco. Many of these birds sometimes move to the volcanoes and forest vegetation in search of food and end up settling there.
Besides being recognized as the oldest park on the African continent, Volcanoes National Park is also a very important historical site, notable for the gorilla conservation work of Dian Fossey, among many other important achievements.
Interestingly, Volcanoes National Park provides an excellent habitat for the most beautiful light insects, the butterflies.
Two common species are the onymphidia idaeides and the lesser swallowtail, which brighten up any tourist’s day.
Other species include the African queen Alexandra birdwing and the false indigo blue.
However, due to illegal and destructive human activities such as deforestation, the use of pesticides, poaching, and the illegal collection for trade or pets, these beautiful butterfly species remain endangered.
Their population has significantly reduced, making their existence a point of concern.
Relationship Between the Volcanoes and Butterflies
The enchanting relationship between the volcanoes and butterflies makes it clear why Volcanoes National Park is a suitable place to visit and tour any time of the year.
The area is cool and covered with mist throughout the year, creating an ideal environment for butterfly settlement.
Tourists can visit at their leisure, but the best time to visit is during the wet season due to the highly favorable conditions for breeding and the butterfly life cycle.
Lifespan of a Butterfly
Despite their beauty and colorful appearance, butterflies have a very short lifespan, averaging about two weeks.
Cost of Butterfly Visits in Volcanoes National Park
It costs roughly USD 20 per person per day to visit the park.
This cost is inclusive for everyone, making it an ideal hangout for children, families, and friends.
Other Activities Tourists Can Engage In Besides Butterfly Visits
- Gorilla trekking
- Birding
- Golden monkey trekking
- Volcano hiking
- Nature walks
- Visiting Dian Fossey’s grave
Requirements Tourists Are Advised to Carry
- Snacks
- Cameras
- Sunglasses
- Light and warm clothes
- Hiking boots
- Hiking gear, and many others
In conclusion, the presence of butterflies in Volcanoes National Park makes nature walks a worthwhile activity.
